First, let’s understand what is electroplating:
Electroplating is the process of plating a thin layer of other metals or alloys on the surface of certain metals using the principle of electrolysis. It is the process of using electrolysis to attach a layer of metal film to the surface of metal or other materials to prevent metal oxidation ( Such as rust), improve wear resistance, electrical conductivity, reflectivity, corrosion resistance (copper sulfate, etc.) and enhance aesthetics.
Electroplating is divided into specific processes such as copper plating, gold plating, silver plating, chromium plating, nickel plating and zinc plating. In the manufacturing industry, zinc plating, nickel plating and chromium plating are the most widely used. And there must be some difference between these three?
01-galvanized
Definition: Zinc plating refers to a surface treatment technology that coats a layer of zinc on the surface of metal, alloy or other materials for aesthetics and rust prevention.
Features: Low cost, general anti-corrosion, and silver-white color.
Applications: screws, circuit breakers, industrial supplies, etc.
White zinc
Color zinc
02-nickel plating
Definition: The method of plating a layer of nickel on metal or certain non-metals by electrolysis or chemical methods is called nickel plating.
Features: beautiful, can be decorated, high price, slightly complicated craftsmanship, the color is silvery white and yellow.
Application: Energy-saving lamp holder, coins, hardware, etc.
03-chrome plating
Definition: Chromium is a bright white metal with a bluish tint. The method of plating a layer of chromium on metal or some non-metals by electrolysis or chemical methods is called chromium plating.
Features: There are two types of chromium plating. The first is for decorative purposes. It has a brighter appearance and better abrasion resistance. The rust resistance is not as good as galvanized and better than oxidation. The second is to increase the hardness and wear resistance of metal parts , This is the functionality of the part.
Application: Bright decorative parts, tools, faucets, etc. on home appliances, electronics and other products.
As for the most basic difference between the three types of electroplating
1: “Chromium plating is mainly to improve surface hardness, beauty, and rust prevention. Chrome plating has good chemical stability, and it has no effect in alkali, sulfide, nitric acid and most organic acids, but it can be dissolved in hydrohalic acid ( Such as hydrochloric acid) and hot sulfuric acid. Because chromium does not change color, it can maintain its reflection ability for a long time and is better than silver and nickel. The process is generally electroplating.
2: Nickel plating is mainly wear-resistant, anti-corrosion, and anti-rust. Generally, the thickness is thin. The process is divided into two types: electroplating and chemical.
3: Galvanizing is mainly for aesthetics and rust prevention. Zn is an active metal that can react with acid, so it has poor corrosion resistance and is the cheapest of the three.
In terms of cost, chrome plating is the most expensive, nickel is the second, and zinc is the cheapest. Among them, rack plating and barrel plating are also distinguished. Rack plating is expensive, barrel plating is cheap.
Nagging so much
Some friends said
Isn’t it still the same stupidly
Then the editor can only tell you
I’ll be confused for a while
Then distinguish it by color
Chrome-plated bright white, nickel-plated has a little yellowish, galvanized silver-white (in fact, there are color zinc, gray zinc, matt chrome, bright chrome, white nickel, black nickel, etc.). The more you say, the more foolish you are. clear)
Extended knowledge:
1- Electroplating production is mainly based on the pollution of heavy metals in sewage and sewage. The country has strictly controlled the expansion of the electroplating industry and has reduced it year by year.
2- my country’s electroplating processing is mainly zinc plating, copper plating, nickel plating, and chromium plating, of which zinc plating accounts for 50%, and copper, chromium, and nickel plating account for 30%.
3- If the purpose is to prevent rust, zinc or cadmium plating can be used; if the focus is to prevent wear, nickel or chrome plating is the best choice.